Is The Bear Inspired by a Real Restaurant

Jun. 27, 2024

The Bear Season 3 has finally arrived on Hulu and Disney Plus, and we must admit that the new season lived up to every fan’s expectations. However, the show has led some fans to wonder whether Christopher Storer took inspiration from an authentic restaurant to craft this story. If you are also seeking the answer to this, bear with us as we help you find out whether The Bear is based on a real restaurant.

The Bear Is Based on a Chicago-Based Restaurant

Yes, FX’s The Bear is inspired by a real restaurant in Chicago. During aninterview, Christopher Storer revealed that the sandwich shop Mr. Beef in Chicago inspired him. Mr. Beef is owned by Chris Zucchero, the producer’s childhood friend, so the duo’s conversations helped him conceive the idea. The Chicago-based restaurant was acquired by Zucchero’s father in 1979.

Storer also stated in the interview that The Bear doesn’t focus heavily on real-life stories or characters, but the show incorporates the creator’s real-life experiences. Christopher revealed that he frequently observed the restaurant’s chefs and other staff members during his hourly conversations with Zucchero. He often saw them smoking cigarettes outside the restaurant, so he thought of creating a character in the show that way, and this is how Richie’s character was designed.

The Beer isn’t entirely shot in Mr. Beef, but a significant part of the pilot was set up in the original restaurant’s kitchen. Zucchero said in aninterviewthat he and Storer have been friends since Kindergarten. Christopher Storer went to Los Angeles after graduation but stayed in touch with Zucchero.

He visited Zucchero at Mr. Beef whenever he was in Chicago. Storer often used to say that he would undoubtedly make a TV show on Mr. Beef. However, Zucchero never took his words seriously. This is what Zucchero used to say “Don’t fucking Hollywood talk me, for one. You’ve been out there too long, don’t bullshit me.”

Surprisingly, one day, the restaurant received official notice regarding The Bear’s pilot. After two weeks, Christopher Storer showed up with the entire team at Mr. Beef; this is how we got The Bear’s pilot.

Zucchero was also involved in the TV show. In Season 1, he handed over the chicken to Carmy in the parking lot.

Yes, Mr. Beef is still in business, and interestingly, the success of the TV Show contributed heavily to pulling the crowd towards the sandwich shop. Like the fictional character Carmy, Zucchero also has high aspirations for Mr. Beef, which also became one reason why he hasn’t watched The Bear until now. He clearly stated in the interview that he has a hectic schedule, as the sales skyrocketed following The Bear’s arrival, so he hardly finds time to watch TV.

Aparna is the Senior Entertainment Writer at Beebom. She started her professional journey in the retail industry but her admiration for films and TV shows pulled her into the field of entertainment writing where she has experience writing for various well-known publishers including Otakukart, Sportskeeda, Game Revolution, Forever Geek and Dexerto.